MADISON, WI – This morning, Charly Ray, candidate for the State Senate in the 25th District, held a press conference alongside a former Department of Natural Resources fishery manager and a former Fish and Wildlife Service biologist. They underscored the impact of the Joint Finance Committee’s refusal to release funds already allocated to Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources, which has led to the closure of two Northern fish hatcheries, the understocking of Musky and Walleye, and job loss for hardworking Wisconsinites.
Speakers warned that continued inaction will further threaten Wisconsin’s hunters, fishers, and outdoor economy. Ray reaffirmed his commitment to our state’s natural beauty, wildlife, and the livelihood of those who protect it.
Charly Ray on the impacts of the Joint Finance Committee withholding DNR funding:
“I have watched over decades as the populations of our fisheries have gone up and down; it’s part of an ongoing dance between the management, the commercial fishery, the recreational fishing, and tribal use. There is a whole community that depends on this fish hatchery. And that’s why we are here today, to call on Madison to stop playing politics right now. The joint finance committee is holding up the funding that has already been approved for the Brule and Osceola State Fish Hatchery.”
“We are asking the legislature to release the funds that have been appropriated.”
Former USFWS Biologist Tom Doolittle on the importance of strong representation in Madison from the 25th:
“The Lake Superior region is my home, and to have Charly Ray stand up for what makes our area great is refreshing on one hand, but saddening that we are even discussing the funding of two local state hatcheries, where the larger discussion should be what needs our hatchery system has.”
“The buck has stopped with the decision makers in Madison, who seem to be more concerned with scapegoating Wisconsin DNR, rather than giving them the tools they need to serve the public.”
Former DNR Fishery Manager Larry Nelson on the closing of the Brule Fish Hatchery:
“1920 till this point in time has produced fish inland and for the lakes, with a minimal staff of three people… it is a very big piece of local history in the rural area. And once they close it down, I’ve seen this, that’s it.”
Friends of Wisconsin Fisheries Todd Berg on protecting Wisconsin’s thriving recreational outdoor industry:
“Wisconsin anglers and boaters contribute more than $1 billion to the state’s economy in 2024; that number is close to $1.25 billion dollars in 2025. There are over 12,500 direct jobs that are supported through fishing in Wisconsin every year. There are tens of thousands of others that are supported outside of direct fishing jobs.”
“We are operating on the same budget as we were 22 years ago, and it’s unacceptable.”
